loroform as a mixture, in which
form it is a valuable stimulant in cholera and other diseases. (_See_
Mixtures, 556-564).

695. Ether.

Ether is a diffusible stimulant, narcotic and antispasmodic.

696. Sulphuric Ether

Sulphuric Ether is used _externally_ both as a stimulant and a
refrigerant. In the former case its evaporation is prevented by
covering a rag moistened with it with oiled silk, in order to relieve
headache; and in the latter case it is allowed to evaporate, and thus
produce coldness: hence it is applied over scalded surfaces by means
of rags dipped in it.

_As a local application_, it has been found to afford almost instant
relief in earache, when combined with almond oil, and dropped into the
ear.

It is used _internally_ as a stimulant and narcotic in low fevers and
cases of great exhaustion.

_Dose_, from fifteen minims to half a drachm, repeated at short
intervals, as its effects soon pass off. Give in a little camphor
julep, or water.

697. Nitric Ether

Nitric Ether is a refrigerant, diuretic, and antispasmodic, well known
as "_sweet spirit of nitre_."

_Used externally_, its evaporation relieves headache, and it is
sometimes applied to burns. It is used _internally_ to relieve nausea,
flatulence, and thirst in fevers; also as a diuretic.

_Dose_, from ten minims to one drachm. The smaller dose taken in a
little warm water or gruel is useful as a sudorific in cases of cold
and chill, to induce and promote the proper action of the skin which
has been checked. If a larger dose be taken, it acts as a diuretic and
not as a sudorific, and so fails to produce the desired effect.

[TO-DAY, HIS FOOD IS DRESSED IN DAINTY FORMS.]

698. Compound Spirit of Sulphuric
Ether

Compound Spirit of Sulphuric Ether is a very useful stimulant,
narcotic, and antispasmodic.

_Used internally_ in cases of great exhaustion, attended with
irritability.

_Dose_, from half a drachm to two drachms, in camphor julep. When
combined with laudanum, it prevents the nauseating effects of the
opium, and acts more beneficially as a narcotic.

699. The Hop

The Hop is a narcotic, tonic, and diuretic; it reduces the frequency
of the pulse, and does not affect the head, like most anodynes.

_Used externally_, it acts as an anodyne and discutient, and is useful
as a fomentation for painful tumours, rh